volatile oil

American  

noun

1. a distilled oil, especially one obtained from plant tissue, as distinguished from glyceride oils by their volatility and failure to saponify.

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volatile oil British  

noun

1. another name for essential oil

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Etymology

Origin of volatile oil

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

"People are recognising they want energy independence - they don't want to be in the hands of a volatile oil and gas market."

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

The “markets will likely remain cautious as investors juggle Middle East geopolitical risks and volatile oil prices, which continue to drive inflation expectations,” UOB’s Global Economics & Markets Research team says in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Setting the price will require aligning the complex array of economic and diplomatic forces that govern volatile oil markets.

From New York Times • Sep. 16, 2022

Fuel is the industry's second-biggest expense after labor, but major U.S. airlines do not hedge against volatile oil prices like most European airlines.

From Reuters • Apr. 12, 2022

Externally the drug has the usual action of a volatile oil, being a very powerful counter-irritant.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various